Louisiana lineman getting serious attention

One of the best offensive linemen in the state of Louisiana is Baton Rouge (La.) Desire Street Academy's Brandon Haskins. At 6-foot-4, 281 pounds, Haskins has size and athleticism that he has showcased in several settings this summer. With his summer behind him though, Haskins is set to lead a Desire Street back to the state's elite 1A programs after losing six Division-I prospects off its 2007 squad.

"We've got a lot of new people so we're trying to work hard," Haskins said of his early season practices. "Basically I worked out the whole summer. I went to the LSU camp. I did some work with a team in New Orleans. I was working on my footwork and just getting stronger."

Haskins was one of the top offensive linemen at the LSU Nike Camp and has received some significant interest from some major programs. He also has picked up a few offers along the way.

"I have a couple of schools talking to me and I think a couple of schools offered," he said. "My coach Mickey (Joseph) told me that Oklahoma, Central Florida, and Auburn have offered. I think he said LSU also."

Haskins has said that location will not be a major factor in his final school selection but education will be.

"I'll be looking for what I can accomplish at the school and do they have a good education there," he said. "Location doesn't matter because my school (Desire Street Academy), it was in Florida at first so I don't have a problem with going out of state. It doesn't matter where I play as long as I play."

There are a few schools that Haskins really hopes to hear more from such as Florida and Nebraska, but he has already built strong relationships with the coaches at UCF, Auburn and LSU.

"I like the coaches at LSU, Auburn and Central Florida," he said. "I talked to the LSU coach, Coach Porter. At Auburn I really like Coach Knox. He's a good person. He'll do anything and he's just a good person."

Desire Street Academy, which lost in the semifinals of the state playoffs last season, kicks off the 2008 campaign on Sept. 5 against Independence.